Welcome to "Igniting the Shift Within" on Firefighter Nation
Igniting the Shift Within
Igniting the Shift Within
Join host Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.) on "Igniting the Shift Within," your backstage pass to all things innovative and transformative in the world of firefighting. We’re your launchpad to revolutionize the way you think, work, and lead. Sometimes traditional ways clash with the need for change. That's where we come in, slicing through the noise with insights that matter. So, whether you’re chilling at the firehouse or cruising down the freeway on your daily commute, plug in and get ready to ignite the shift within.
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Igniting the Shift Within

Igniting the Shift Within

Join host Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.) on "Igniting the Shift Within," your backstage pass to all things innovative and transformative in the world of firefighting. We’re your launchpad to revolutionize the way you think, work, and lead. Sometimes traditional ways clash with the need for change. That's where we come in, slicing through the noise with insights that matter.

So, whether you’re chilling at the firehouse or cruising down the freeway on your daily commute, plug in and get ready to ignite the shift within.

Recent Episodes

July 17, 2025

Faith, Fellowship, and Healing After Line-of-Duty Loss with Lt. Billy Kanych (Ret.)

David sits down with Retired Lt. Billy Kanych from the Yonkers Fire Department as he shares his firsthand account of a line-of-duty death during a devastating fire in 2009. Billy reflects on the profound lessons learned from ...
July 9, 2025

The Firefighter Sleep Crisis with Dr. Sara Jahnke

Join us for a wake-up call with Dr. Sara Jahnke. We will examine the impact of shift work on firefighter health and performance. We will also cover various shift schedules and tactical napping strategies, navigating sleep at ...
May 18, 2025

Our Own Worst Enemies? Gender Dynamics in Fire/EMS with Guest Jesalyn Moore, LCSW

We talk with Health and Wellness Manager Jesalyn Moore, LCSW, about how women in the Fire and EMS fields experience stress, trauma, and burnout differently than men.
April 17, 2025

Tactical Strategies to De-Stress On and Off the Job with Guest Tamara Green, LCSW

We explore the unique challenges firefighters face, from high-stress environments to emotional triggers. Our expert guest is Tamara Green, LCSW, a mental health clinician and coach.
March 20, 2025

Promotional Prep 101: Fueling Your Future with Guest Al Pratts

We explore the complex dynamics between the promotional process and firefighters' mental health. Deputy Chief Al Pratts, Instructor and Promotional Prep Consultant, shares valuable strategies for preparing for promotions while navigating the emotional challenges that come with increased responsibil…
Feb. 13, 2025

Shrinks Unwrapped with Guest Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT

EMDR trauma therapist Bonnie Rumilly pulls back the curtain on the often-misunderstood world of therapysharing her personal insights on EMDR and different therapeutic approaches, breaking down barriers to mental health support.

About the Host

Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.) Profile Photo

Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.)

Producer | Host

David Dachinger is a retired Fire Lieutenant and EMT with over 21 years of leadership in emergency services. As a fire officer, he excelled in roles such as Shift Commander and Incident Commander, while also contributing to department policy, fire/rescue training, and wellness initiatives. Beyond his firefighting career, David is also the producer and host of the Responder Resilience Podcast and serves as a 22Zero peer coach, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of first responders.

A two-time Grammy Award® nominee, David's career in the music industry saw him collaborate with legendary artists like Roberta Flack, Usher, Celine Dion, and The Isley Brothers as a mixing engineer and producer.

David's journey as a stage IV cancer survivor since 2014 has fueled his passion for advocating firefighter wellness. His transformative experience with cancer led him to become a two-time international bestselling author, featured in "Cancer: From Tears to Triumph," and the co-author of the bestselling book "Live Calm With Cancer (...and Beyond)."